NEW YORK CITY – Ford announced in a news release that the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved the Transit Connect Taxi for use in the city. The automaker said this approval means the Ford Transit Connect Taxi meets the TLC’s specifications. Ford said the TLC also approved the Taurus for taxi use. The TLC regulates and licenses all taxis in New York City.

Although New York City named the Nissan NV200 van as the “official” taxi starting in 2013, taxi companies will be able to purchase Ford Transit Connect Taxi models, and Ford Taurus models, in the interim.

Ford said New York joins Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia on the list of major cities where officials have approved Transit Connect Taxi for use. Ford stated that it delivered its first Transit Connect Taxi to a taxicab company in Boston. Since then, the automaker said more than 100 have been sold to companies in Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis and Orlando, Fla., among others.

“We applaud TLC Commissioner David Yassky and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission for approving the only next-generation purpose-built taxicab currently available on the market, the highly reviewed and eagerly anticipated Ford Transit Connect Taxi,” said Ron Sherman, president, Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade. 

In related news, the California Air Resources Board approved the CNG-fueled version of the Transit Connect Taxi in June. Ford said it offers engine prep packages that allow for conversion to CNG and LPG (liquefied propane gas).

Some of the Transit Connect Taxi’s specs include fuel economy of 23 mpg, certification to meet Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards, and a 39-ft. turning diameter. Dimensions include 6.5 inches of ground clearance, a rear door opening 50.2 inches wide, and a height of 52.1 inches.